Lunch Box Challenge: the reveal

Ellen (R) made this quilt for Jean E, who was unable to make the meeting, but Helen helps show off the quilt.

It was a feast for Mariners on May 13 as the quilts from the lunch box challenge were revealed. Back in September, 21 Mariners put two yards of starter fabric, along with their name, in a lunch box, brought it to the guild meeting and then exchanged it for another identical box. The challenge: to create a lap size quilt topper that reflected the other person or suited the fabric choices.

And it really was a challenge. For some, fabrics and palettes were outside their usual comfort zone. A lot of thought went into the design choices. But that was also part of the fun.

Thanks to Jackie L. for organizing this imaginative – and energizing – challenge. She’s had a lot of positive feedback from the Challengers since the big “reveal”. One Mariner told her that although she found the experience intimidating, she was happy with the topper she made and that “it was a super way to get my confidence back to quilting after a 15-plus years’ hiatus.” Others found the results impressive and said they would definitely participate in another similar challenge. Margaret S. said the topper she received was the best (but I think she’d probably get 20 arguments on that!)

Hopefully, this coming quilting year, everyone will get a chance to see the assembled and quilted toppers.